Pienza is a 45 minute drive from Montalcino and we recommend visiting this charming city for guests of Palazzo Tamanti. The city center is small but charming, and it is known for its many variations of pecorino cheese. You can find pecorino with truffles, hot red pepper, or aged in tobacco, grape leaves, or ash. The great perk of visiting Pienza is that each cheese shop will pack the cheese so you can take it back home.
Make sure you select your favorite varieties of Pecorino cheese and have them vacuum pack them for transport home in your luggage.
Pienza is more than cheese and you will find a few dozen shops with local foods, clothing, art, glassware, and souvenirs for sale. Pienza is great for a day trip with lunch because the nights are very quiet.
We love a local shop owned by the Biagiotti family which has a small storefront in the center of Pienza and a large factory store three minutes outside the city center by car. If you are looking for lighting fixtures, antique tables, accessories for your fireplace, or anything made with iron, then you must visit this retailer. The photo above is from their factory store.
I like to find where the locals eat and you can count on La Chiocciola for great food, low prices, and a packed dining room. The restaurant is located near the BEST public parking lot just outside the town wall. You can’t go wrong having lunch here and then walk around town before moving on to Montalcino or Montepulciano.
If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, then book a table at Ristorante la Terrazza della Val d’Orcia. This restaurant is right outside the main city gate and has indoor and outdoor seating available with spectacular view of the valley.
You can learn more about the history of Pienza on the website link below or if you need driving instructions, click on the Google Maps link below.
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